A FAMILY had a lucky escape when they were saved by a passing cyclist as their neighbour's house went up in flames.

A FAMILY had a lucky escape when they were saved by a passing cyclist as their neighbour's house went up in flames.

Kerry Taylor, 28, and her two children, aged 11 and five-years-old, were awoken by the cyclist after he spotted the adjacent property in Rupert Brooke Road on fire at 1am on Sunday.

Miss Taylor said: "We were fast asleep when this gentleman started banging on my door and shouting for us to get out as there was a fire.

Frightened

"We were so frightened, and wondered what was going on, but I shouted the children up and got out as fast as we could."

A spokesman for Loughborough Fire Station said: "Fire crews who used breathing apparatus were called to a fire at 1am last Sunday, July 20, in Rupert Brooke Road, Loughborough.

"It seemed the fire had been deliberately started, and the building suffered severe smoke and fire damage - there were no injuries though as the house was empty."

Miss Taylor, added: "I don't know his name, but I really want to say a massive thank you to the gentleman who alerted us to the fire."

A police spokesman said: "We were called to the incident just after 1am last Sunday morning where a 25-year-old man was arrested.

"He has since been released on police bail pending further investigations.

"But we ask that if anybody has any information about this fire to please contact Leicestershire Police."

Miss Taylor, said: "I do feel so lucky as there were three fires in the house, and one of the firemen told me my roof was only minutes away from going up in flames, but my house did suffer smoke damage.

"I dread to think of the outcome if he hadn't woke us - I'm so very grateful to him."